Chippewa Valley Times

A new academic program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout will soon offer students a Bachelor of Science in game and media studies. Approved by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents, the program is set to commence in fall 2025, with enrollment now open.

The curriculum aims to explore the cultural impacts of games, focusing on storytelling and societal influences rather than just technical skills. It will collaborate with UW-Stout’s existing game design and development program but emphasize understanding the human aspect of gaming.

Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, stated: “I think it can be easy to assume video games rely primarily on two large skill sets — the computer science/coders and the artists who generate the visuals. Our game design programs are successful because we ensure these disciplines work together for success.”

Cody Reimer, associate professor and director of the new program, explained that it will delve into storytelling within games and how they are perceived by consumers. He said: “Yet, this new program will dive deeper into a third critical aspect — the stories that unfold in games and, equally important, how they are identified through a study and appreciation of the consumer or end-user.”

Students enrolled in this major will analyze both analog and digital games from historical, anthropological, sociological, and psychological perspectives while gaining insights from creators such as designers and writers.

“If students are interested in games and working with people but don’t want to get into game design and development, this program is a great fit,” Reimer noted.

Graduates will be equipped for careers in user experience research, design, software development, product management, and project management. According to Reimer: “Given the breadth and depth of the curriculum, students will be prepared to succeed in a multitude of career paths, in keeping with the human component of experiences.”

The job market for graduates is expected to grow by 6.3% over five years. UW-Stout reports an employment rate of 99% for recent graduates with an average starting salary of $58,000.

The new major includes core courses paired with game design classes where students collaborate on projects. Two field experiences involve working on capstone projects at Stout Game Expo (SGX), aiding in research and promotion efforts.

UW-Stout supports experiential learning across all its programs. The university sponsors events like M+DEV Midwest game developers conference where faculty have previously won awards.

Additionally, students have access to esports teams playing in new facilities from 2025 onwards as well as labs dedicated to user experience testing which aid iterative design practices through moderated usability tests.

Reimer brings expertise from his Ph.D. studies at Purdue University along with published research on gaming topics. His teaching focuses on professional communication including journalism while also contributing rulesets for board games.